Weight Management
A healthy weight begins with you. There is no magic pill or fad (or popular) diet that will help you lose and maintain the weight loss in the long run. Popular diets limit your nutritional intake, which can be unhealthy and are not sustainable long-term. Studies have shown that maintaining a healthy weight starts with long-term lifestyle changes.
Everyone’s body is different, but the tips are the same. Here are some tips to help you manage your weight:
- eat a well-balanced diet
- exercise regularly
- limit sugary drinks
- quit smoking
- avoid alcohol, or drink moderately
Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI is a tool used to assess your weight relative to your height. BMI measures can help estimate body fat. A high BMI can indicate a high body fat. A low BMI can indicate a low body fat. BMI should not be used to diagnose your health status or disease risk. Only a trained healthcare provider can determine your health status and disease risk.
| Status | BMI |
|---|---|
| Underweight | Below 18.5 |
| Normal | 18.5–24.9 |
| Overweight | 25.0–29.9 |
| Obese | 30.0 and above |
By clicking the links below, you will be leaving the HPSM site.
- To calculate your BMI, visit the CDC's Adult BMI Calculator
- To learn more about BMI, visit the CDC's About Adult BMI page
Health Risks of Being Overweight
It is important to maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can lead to many health problems, including:
- high blood pressure
- type 2 diabetes
- heart disease
- stroke
- sleep apnea or breathing problems
- certain cancers
- high LDL ("bad") cholesterol
- low HDL ("good") cholesterol
- mental Illness (for example: depression, anxiety, or other mental disorders)
Losing Weight
Losing weight is not easy- it takes time and commitment.
- It takes time: Losing weight should be done gradually and steadily
- It's an ongoing commitment: Living a healthy lifestyle includes changes to what you eat and your exercise habits.
To learn more visit the CDC's Losing Weight: Getting Started page.